Wound Care
Wound care involves medical intervention to heal a wound after injury. Specialized treatment is provided for wounds that are non-healing or refuse to heal on their own. To promote healing, learning how to properly dress and care for wounds is vital.
The Wound Care Center
The Wound Care Center at Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive outpatient treatment for patients with non-healing wounds. Our specialists offer compassionate care for adults and children with acute and chronic wounds as well as burns.
Wound care may be needed for a variety of reasons, such as poor circulation, diabetes or a traumatic injury. No matter the cause, our goal is not only to heal your wound but to get you back to your daily life.
Types of wounds we treat
The experts at The Wound Care Center treat a wide variety of acute and chronic wounds, including:
- Arterial ulcers
- Burns
- Diabetic foot and leg ulcers
- Non-healing wounds
- Pressure injuries
- Surgical wounds
- Traumatic wounds
- Venous ulcers
We also help patients dealing with fistulas (abnormal connections in the body) and ostomies (surgically created openings).
Wound treatments we offer
Patients at The Wound Care Center have access to a wide range of specialized wound healing treatments, including:
- Basic wound dressing changes
- Compression therapy
- Incision and drainage to release pressure under the skin
- Negative pressure wound therapy (vacuum-assisted closure)
- Skin-substitute application to cover open wounds
- Surgical closure
- Surgical debridement to clean the wound and remove tissue and debris
Wound treatment process
On the initial visit to The Wound Care Center, we evaluate a patient's wound and their overall health. We also review their medical history. We may perform special tests to get information about the flow of blood and oxygen at the wound site.
We may also refer patients for diagnostic laboratory testing to make sure there is not an infection or nutritional problem that is preventing healing. Once we analyze all test results, our team puts together an individualized treatment plan. The treatment plan may include regular visits to The Wound Care Center to provide treatment, evaluate progress and make any necessary changes.
The success of wound treatment is dependent upon a patient following their care plan. Patients need to ensure they follow all instructions they are provided and keep all appointments. Our staff watches every patient's progress closely and is available to answer any questions regarding the wound healing progress.
Patients receive detailed information regarding home care instructions to follow throughout their treatment. This may include instructions on dressing (bandage) changes and how to protect the wound from further injury.
Patients must have a physician referral to The Wound Care Center.
Wound care team
Our team includes medical doctors, surgeons and nurse practitioners with specialized training in treating non-healing wounds. Our specialists work with primary care providers and keep them updated about their patients' progress. Most patients continue to attend regular appointments with their primary care doctor throughout wound healing for routine care.
In addition to offering excellence in clinical care, our wound care team also provides education on how to prevent pressure point injuries.
Heart health impact on wound healing
Certain types of cardiovascular disease can prevent the body from getting the oxygen supply it needs to effectively heal wounds. A heart healthy lifestyle can help reduce your risk of developing a cardiac condition that affects wound healing.
Start by following these tips:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet
- Find positive ways to manage stress levels
- Live an active lifestyle with regular exercise
- Maintain a healthy weight to control blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Receive regular screenings from your primary care provider
- Sleep seven to nine hours every night
- Stop smoking or using any kind of tobacco